Sears Hardware and Appliance Athlete of the Week: Peyton Winters

Winters scored 12 points in the first quarter and had a game-high 20 as the Trojans remained perfect in conference play with a 54-41 win over York.

Peyton Winters went out for the track and field team for the first time last year, but basketball, the sport she’s played since she was in grade school, is still her No. 1 sport. She showed as much during Saturday’s game against York as her 20-point effort helped the Trojans remain unbeaten in West Suburban Silver play. Winters, the Sears Hardware and Appliance Athlete of the Week, spoke with Suburban Life sports editor Jason Rossi about her big game and the team’s success this season.

What was it like for you in the first quarter?

I think we came really ready to play. We hadn’t had a conference game in a while, so we were really excited and really focused and came out with a lot of energy. We were just trying to play our game and we were good to go.

Did it feel like anything you threw up was going to go in?

At times, there were some shots where I was like, ‘Well, I guess I’ll take it,’ but for the most part I think I went up a little bit stronger than I usually do. That was a big part of it.

After struggling last year, what’s it been like for the team this season?

It’s been so much fun, and that’s been a big part of it. We’re such a close close group of girls, and when we go out there and play it’s not just about winning but about having a ton of fun. When we win it’s even better, but because we’re so close we work well together and it’s been easy for us to win.

How would you describe your role on this team?

I just try to be the best team player I can be and pick up my teammates when I can.